Ten superstitious footballers and their pre-match rituals!
SEE ALSO:
Jose Mourinho Challenges Chelsea Star Eden Hazard To Be The Best In The World
(Image) Manchester United Star Shows Off Gold-Plated Mobile Phone
Chelsea transfer news
10) Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal)
Not so much a problem at club level, but Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky is superstitious about singing his national anthem for the Czech Republic, insisting the team always lose when he sings it passionately.
9) Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona)
A player with a complicated pre-match ritual, Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic bandages his left leg, puts on his left boot first, but enters the pitch with his right foot first.
8) Kolo Toure (Liverpool)
The Liverpool defender likes being the last player on the pitch, and once restarted a game for Arsenal late due to William Gallas’ delay in getting on due to receiving treatment.
7) John Terry (Chelsea)
A highly superstitious player, Chelsea captain John Terry likes to listen to the same music before a game, use the same parking space, and even wore the same shin pads for many years – until he lost them!
6) Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Another Chelsea player, Petr Cech chose not to shave during international duty with the Czech Replublic in 2012, refusing to even get his razor out.
5) Pepe Reina (Bayern Munich)
Formerly of Liverpool, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Pepe Reina has car-specific superstitions, always filling his tank before a game and parking in the same space pre-match.
4) Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid)
Like a boxer, Mario Mandzukic likes to have his hands wrapped in tape before every game, insisting that club physios stick to this routine.
3) Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City)
On loan at Valencia from Manchester City, Alvaro Negredo is another player who likes being last onto the pitch, and also likes to keep the matchday shirt every time he scores.
2) Miroslav Klose (Lazio)
A legendary World Cup goalscorer, Miroslav Klose puts a lot of effort in to making sure he has his shooting boots on – always putting the right foot on first, and also stepping onto the pitch with his right foot first.
1) Filippo Inzaghi
A retired player, and now manager of AC Milan, Filippo Inzaghi also makes the list for one of the funniest pre-match superstitions, which involved biscuits. The Italian goal poacher always ate a packet of children’s biscuits before a game, crucially leaving two in the packet every time.